Yoo Ah-in’s Detention Extended Ahead of Appeal Trial for Drug Charges

On October 18, 2024, allkpop reported that the Seoul High Court’s Criminal Division 5 has prolonged Yoo Ah-in’s detention for an additional two months. This decision follows his initial sentencing on September 3, 2024, where he received a one-year prison term for breaches of drug control regulations. Yoo Ah-in is currently contesting this ruling, as South Korean statutes stipulate that a defendant’s detention while awaiting a decision can last a maximum of two months.

If necessary, the court is permitted to extend this detention twice, with each extension lasting up to two months. The appeal trial is scheduled to commence on October 29, 2024.

Yoo Ah-in is accused of illicit substance use, including propofol and marijuana. He has secured a legal defense team, which features a former judge and prosecutor known for handling cases related to drug offenses.

The Yoo Ah-in Drug Controversy: Key Details

Yoo Ah-in’s legal challenges initiated in October of the previous year when he was charged with habitual use of propofol, illegally obtaining sleeping medications under a pseudonym, smoking marijuana, and trying to destroy evidence. Prosecutors allege that from September 2020 to March 2022, the actor consistently used propofol at various healthcare facilities in Seoul while obtaining drugs through false identities.

By December 2023, Yoo admitted to marijuana use but refuted other accusations, including instigating its use among others and altering evidence.

According to the Korea Times, during his initial trial, the actor was convicted of multiple charges linked to the illegal procurement of drugs and habitual use, while he was acquitted of marijuana possession, promoting its use, and tampering with evidence.

As reported by Korea JoongAng Daily, the court deemed the nature of his offenses serious, highlighting his exploitation of vulnerabilities in drug laws and significant dependence on these substances. Nonetheless, his mental health issues, genuine admission of guilt, and attempts to address his addiction were taken into account when determining the sentence.

Yoo’s ongoing struggle with insomnia and depression was perceived as a crucial reason for his repeated drug use. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, the court remarked,

“Mr. Yoo had suffered from depression for a long time, and the main reason he habitually took medication was likely the pain of not being able to sleep. We took into account the fact that Mr. Yoo honestly confessed to his drug addiction and continued efforts to overcome it.”

Consequently, he was sentenced to one year behind bars, ordered to pay a fine of 200,000 won, and required to participate in an 80-hour drug treatment program. Prosecutors have sought to challenge the leniency of the sentence, pushing for a four-year prison term.

Additionally, The Straits Times reported that a 30-year-old man had made allegations of sexual assault against Yoo Ah-in. However, all charges were dismissed, and the case was closed on September 19 due to lack of sufficient evidence.

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